Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine is new or being used differently. Please report side effects. See the
full CMI for further details. Read before using this medicine.
1. Why am I using SYMDEKO?
SYMDEKO contains the active ingredients tezacaftor and ivacaftor. SYMDEKO is used
for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 6 years and older who are
homozygous for the
F508d
el mutation or who have at least one mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane
conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that is listed in the approved indication. For more
information, see Section
1. Why am I using SYMDEKO? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use SYMDEKO?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to SYMDEKO or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use SYMDEKO?
Your doctor will tell you how much SYMDEKO you need to take each day. This may depend
on your condition and whether or not you are taking other medicines. SYMDEKO is for
oral use. More instructions can be found in Section
4. How do I use SYMDEKO? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while using SYMDEKO?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using SYMDEKO.
Use SYMDEKO exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
Take SYMDEKO with fat-containing food and avoid food or drinks containing grapefruit
or Seville Oranges.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using SYMDEKO.
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Things you should not do
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Do not stop using SYMDEKO or change the dose without first checking with your doctor.
Do not take any other medicines whether they require a prescription or not without
first telling your doctor or consulting a pharmacist.
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Looking after your medicine
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Store below 30°C, in a dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight.
Keep this medicine where young children cannot reach it.
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6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are taking SYMDEKO.
Some common side effects experienced by patients taking SYMDEKO include the headache,
throat and nose infections.
If you experience significant pain or discomfort in the upper right stomach (abdominal)
area, or yellowing of your skin or the white parts of your eyes these may be indicative
of serious side effects.
This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification
of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems .
Active ingredient(s):
Tezacaftor/ Ivacaftor, Ivacaftor
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using SYMDEKO. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using SYMDEKO.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using SYMDEKO?
SYMDEKO contains the active ingredients Tezacaftor, Ivacaftor.
SYMDEKO is used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 6 years
and older who are homozygous for the F508del mutation or who have at least one mutation
in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that is listed
in the approved indication.
SYMDEKO belongs to a group of medicines called “cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance
regulator (CFTR) modulators”. SYMDEKO includes two types of tablets, one contains
tezacaftor and ivacaftor (morning dose) and the other contains ivacaftor (evening
dose).
Tezacaftor is a “CFTR corrector” and works to increase the amount of protein at the
cell surface.
Ivacaftor is a “CFTR potentiator” that makes the protein work better once it reaches
the cell surface.
SYMDEKO is not addictive.
What is cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is caused by genetic defects that limit the flow of chloride and water
through cell membranes. As a result, the mucus in the lungs (and other organs) becomes
thick and sticky, clogging the lungs and making it easier for germs to grow. SYMDEKO
is a medicine that works by improving the flow of chloride and water in patients with
cystic fibrosis who have a certain genetic defect.
2. What should I know before I use SYMDEKO?
Warnings
Do not use SYMDEKO if:
you are allergic to tezacaftor, ivacaftor, or any of the ingredients listed at the
end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Check with your doctor if you:
have any other medical conditions
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
It is unknown whether SYMDEKO is excreted in human milk. If you plan to breast-feed,
ask your doctor for advice before taking SYMDEKO.
Use in children
Do not give SYMDEKO to children under 6 years of age.
It is not known if SYMDEKO is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age.
Tell your doctor if you:
have kidney disease or kidney problems in the past.
have liver disease or you have had liver problems in the past.
have received an organ transplant.
Laboratory Testing
Your doctor will do some blood tests to check your liver prior to and while you are
taking SYMDEKO, particularly during the first year and especially if you have had
high liver enzymes in the past. Increased liver enzymes in the blood have been seen
in some people receiving SYMDEKO.
Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of SYMDEKO or monitor your blood tests for
liver enzymes.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may be affected by SYMDEKO or may affect how well it works. You may
need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.
Your doctor will advise you.
Take SYMDEKO with fat-containing food and avoid food or drinks containing grapefruit
or Seville oranges.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
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Antifungal medicines used for the treatment of fungal infections
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ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole
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Antibiotic medicines used for treatment of bacterial infections
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telithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampicin, rifabutin, ciprofloxacin
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Anticonvulsant medicines used for the treatment of epileptic seizures
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phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin
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Herbal medicine
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St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
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Benzodiazepines used for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, agitation, etc
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midazolam
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Immunosuppressants used after organ transplantation
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ciclosporin, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus
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Cardiac glycosides used for the treatment of congestive heart failure and an abnormal heart rhythm
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digoxin
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Anticoagulants used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger in blood and blood vessels
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warfarin
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Medicines for diabetes
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glimepiride, glipizide
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Medicines for lowering blood cholesterol
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pitavastatin
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Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or
to avoid while taking SYMDEKO.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect SYMDEKO.
4. How do I use SYMDEKO?
How much to take
Your doctor will tell you how much SYMDEKO you need to take each day. This may depend
on your condition and whether or not you are taking other medicines.
SYMDEKO dosing recommendations are as follows:
Patients aged 6 to <12 years weighing <30 kg
Morning dose:
One white tablet tezacaftor 50 mg/ivacaftor 75 mg
Evening dose:
One light blue tablet ivacaftor 75 mg
Patients aged 6 to <12 years weighing ≥30 kg
Morning dose:
One yellow tablet tezacaftor 100 mg/ivacaftor 150 mg
Evening dose:
One light blue tablet ivacaftor 150 mg
Patients aged ≥12 years
Morning dose:
One yellow tablet tezacaftor 100 mg/ivacaftor 150 mg
Evening dose:
One light blue tablet ivacaftor 150 mg
If you have liver problems, your doctor may need to reduce the dose as your liver
is not clearing ivacaftor and tezacaftor as fast as in people who do not have liver
problems. Follow all instructions given by your doctor, or health care professional.
When to take SYMDEKO
SYMDEKO should be used every day and continue taking it for as long as your doctor
tells you.
Your doctor will determine if your treatment should be stopped.
How to take SYMDEKO
SYMDEKO is for oral use.
Do not break, chew or dissolve the tablets. Swallow the tablets whole.
Tablets
Take 1 white (tezacaftor 50 mg/ ivacaftor 75 mg) or yellow tablet (tezacaftor 100mg/ivacaftor
150mg) in the morning with a fat-containing meal or snack. Avoid food containing grapefruit
or Seville oranges.
Take 1 light blue tablet (ivacaftor 75 mg or ivacaftor 150 mg) about 12 hours later
in the evening with a fat containing meal or snack. Avoid food containing grapefruit
or Seville oranges.
Examples of meals or snacks that contain fat are those prepared with butter or oils
or those containing eggs.
Other fat-containing foods are:
Cheese, whole milk, whole-milk dairy products, yoghurt, chocolate
Meats, oily fish
Avocados, hummus, soy-based products (tofu)
Nuts, fat-containing nutritional bars or drinks
If you forget to use SYMDEKO
SYMDEKO should be used regularly at the same time each day.
Take the missed dose if less than 6 hours have passed since the time you missed the
dose. Otherwise, wait until your next scheduled dose as you normally would.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
If you are not sure what to do, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much SYMDEKO
If you think that you have used too much SYMDEKO, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while using SYMDEKO?
Things you should do
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Use SYMDEKO exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
Take SYMDEKO with fat-containing food and avoid food or drinks containing grapefruit.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using SYMDEKO.
Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not used SYMDEKO exactly as prescribed.
Your doctor may perform some eye examinations prior to and during treatment with SYMDEKO.
Abnormality of the eye lens (cataract) without any effect on vision has been noted
in some patients receiving this treatment.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using SYMDEKO.
Things you should not do
Do not stop using SYMDEKO or change the dose without first checking with your doctor.
Do not let yourself run out of medicine over the weekend or on holidays.
Do not give SYMDEKO to anyone else even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not use SYMDEKO to treat other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not take any other medicines whether they require a prescription or not without
first telling your doctor or consulting a pharmacist.
Things to be careful of
Avoid food or drinks containing grapefruit or Seville oranges during treatment with
SYMDEKO as this may increase the amount of SYMDEKO in your body.
SYMDEKO contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have intolerance
to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving or using machines
SYMDEKO can make you dizzy. Do not drive or use machines unless you are sure that
you are not affected.
If your child is taking SYMDEKO it is advised that he/she does not ride his/her bike
or do anything else that needs his/her full attention unless you are sure that your
child is not affected.
Looking after your medicine
Store below 30°C. Store in original container.
Keep this medicine where young children cannot reach it.
Do not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are taking SYMDEKO.
Less serious side effects
Serious side effects
Serious side effects are uncommon.
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist
has a more complete list.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell, even if it is not on this list.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people and there may be some
side effects not yet known.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What SYMDEKO contains
Morning dose (SYMDEKO 50 mg/75 mg or SYMDEKO 100 mg/150 mg)
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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Tezacaftor, Ivacaftor
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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Hypromellose acetate succinate
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Hypromellose
Microcrystalline cellulose
Croscarmellose sodium
Magnesium stearate
Film coating:
50/75 mg tablets: Opadry complete film coating system 20A180008 White (PI No. 139612)
100/150 mg tablets: Opadry complete film coating system 20A120010 Yellow (PI No. 111630)
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Evening dose (ivacaftor 75 mg or 150 mg)
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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Ivacaftor
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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Microcrystalline cellulose
Lactose monohydrate
Hypromellose acetate succinate
Croscarmellose sodium
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Silicon dioxide
Magnesium stearate
Carnauba wax
Film coating:
OPACODE monogramming ink S-1-17823 BLACK (PI No. 12108)
75 mg: Opadry II complete film coating system 85F105098 Blue (PI No. 140157)
150 mg: Opadry II complete film coating system 85F90614 Blue (PI No. 108371)
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Potential allergens
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Lactose monohydrate
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What SYMDEKO looks like
SYMDEKO 50 mg/75 mg and ivacaftor 75 mg
Morning dose
White, capsule-shaped tablet debossed with “V50” on one side and plain on the other
(12.70 mm x 6.78 mm).
Evening dose
Light blue, capsule-shaped tablet, printed with “V 75” in black ink on one side and
plain on the other (12.70 mm x 6.87 mm).
SYMDEKO 100 mg/150 mg and ivacaftor 150 mg
Morning dose
Yellow, capsule-shaped tablet debossed with “V100” on one side and plain on the other
(15.9 mm x 8.5 mm).
Evening dose
Light blue, capsule-shaped tablet, printed with “V150” in black ink on one side and
plain on the other (16.5 mm x 8.4 mm).
SYMDEKO 50 mg/75 mg is Aust R 337367.
SYMDEKO 100 mg/150 mg is Aust R 298329.
Availability
SYMDEKO tablets are available in the following pack size:
blister pack containing 56 film-coated tablets (28 tablets containing both tezacaftor
and ivacaftor (morning dose) and 28 tablets containing ivacaftor (evening dose)).
SYMDEKO tablets are available in the following strength:
SYMDEKO 50 mg/75 mg: tezacaftor 50 mg/ ivacaftor 75 mg and;
ivacaftor 75 mg
SYMDEKO 100 mg/150 mg: tezacaftor 100 mg/ ivacaftor 150 mg and;
ivacaftor 150 mg
Who distributes SYMDEKO
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Australia) Pty Ltd
Suite 3, Level 3
601 Pacific Highway
St Leonards
NSW 2065
Australia
This leaflet was prepared in April 2021.
©2021 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
SYMDEKO, VERTEX and the VERTEX triangle logo are registered trademarks of Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Incorporated.